Proposed Mining Bill will be introduced next year: Tuke

THE proposed Mining Bill will be introduced in Parliament next year, Mining Minister Johnson Tuke, pictured, says. He told investors at a conference in Sydney this week that the bill and new policies were necessary for effective regulation of the mining industry. “Parliament passed the Mineral Resources Authority Act 2018 earlier this year and came into operation on Sept 18,” Tuke told investors. “My ministry was busy this year. “One priority for my ministry was to ensure the proposed Mining Bill was introduced in Parliament in the November session. “However certain considerations have pushed the introduction of the Mining Bill to 2019. “I wish to give comfort to the industry and potential investors that the policy and legislative changes proposed by the Government are intended to establish foundation for growth and prosperity for Papua New Guinea in the years to come. “The aspiration to protect rights and interests of our investors is of paramount interest to the Government. “On the same token, the aspiration to ensure rightful benefits are due to our people is also of paramount interest to the Government,” Tuke said.